Welcome to the Beijing Hour, coming to you live from the Chinese capital...

Coming up on the program this evening...

This year's Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit kicking off in Ufa......

President Xi Jinping urging China, Russia and Mongolia to push forward construction of an economic corridor linking the three nations.....

And the declaration on anti-drug cooperation is expected from the SCO SummitIn Business.... Chinese shares staging a two-day strong rebound after intensive moves by the government to bolster the market.

In Sports.... China's ultra-marathon runner completing 100 marathons in 100 days....

And in Entertainment...China's copyright watchdog banning unlicensed music streamingAll of that coming up in just a moment, but first, just a reminder there are several ways to reach out to us here on the Beijing Hour.

You can follow us on our weibo account at weibo.com/beijinghour, find us on WeChat by searching "beijinghour", or email us directly at [email protected]. You can also visit crienglish.com for the latest news and information from China Radio International.

topSCO summit opens in Russia's Ufa, set to launch enlargementThis year's Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit has kicked off in Ufa.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and his counterparts from other SCO member countries are attending the summit.

Leaders will focus on planning the organization's future development.

A decision on starting the procedures for India and Pakistan to join the SCO is scheduled to be adopted.

President Xi Jinping will deliver a speech proposing joint measures for boosting security cooperation, integration of development strategies, and people-to-people exchanges.

A series of documents will also be released, including an SCO development blueprint, a border defense cooperation agreement and a declaration on the 70th anniversary of the WWII victory.

Experts: SCO has the advantage in regional anti-drug campaignAnchor:

Anti-drug co-operation and the crackdown on drug trafficking has long been one of the top priorities for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

At the ongoing 15th SCO summit in Russia's Ufa city, leaders of the member countries are expected to jointly issue a declaration on anti-drug co-operation.

CRI's Wang Wei has more.

reporter:

Many SCO countries border the second largest drug production base in the world – the Golden Crescent which encompasses Iran, Afghanistan and Iraq. Knowing how to effectively tackle drug trafficking is becoming increasingly important for the SCO member countries.

Yao Peisheng, Former Chinese ambassador to Kazakhstan, says drug trafficking in Central Asia usually has connection with weapon trafficking, and the "three forces" of separatism, extremism and terrorism, which brings a great threat to the region.

"The widespread problem of drug trafficking goes far beyond the drugs themselves. It is also connected to crime, corruption, terrorism, criminal gangs and transnational gangs. So fighting terrorism is a crucial task for the SCO and the crackdown on drug trafficking is an important part of it"Statistics show that terror organizations in Central Asia can make profits of around 10 billion US dollars every year from drug trafficking. They then use this money to buy weapons and equipment.

Chen Yurong with the China Institute of International Studies says US-led NATO troops in Afghanistan focus too much on the fight against terrorism and not enough on drug trafficking in the region.

"An anti-terrorism institute is located in Uzbekistan. Through the regional institute, we can carry out bilateral and multilateral cooperations more effectively, especially in anti-drug and information exchange. So the SCO has the advantage in regional anti-drug campaign."The anti-drug cooperation among SCO members started in 2004. China has launched joint investigations with Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Russia on multiple occasions.

However, Sun Zhuangzhi with the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences points out that the current situation is not optimistic due to the functional restraints and lack of capital.

As the summit is expected to pass a resolution on starting the procedures of granting India and Pakistan full membership of the organization, Sun says it will be a new opportunity for SCO's anti-drug campaign.

"With India and Pakistan joining the SCO, we can strengthen the anti-drug cooperation because these two countries can play an important role in cutting the drug transport channel from Afghanistan. Some countries such as Tajikistan suggest strengthening the anti-drug function of the regional anti-terror institute. So I think India and Pakistan's membership is a good occasion to adjust the function of the institute."For CRI, I'm Wang Wei.

Xi calls on BRICS to forge community of destiny for common prosperityAnchor:

Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for the BRICS countries to forge a community of destiny in a bid to strengthen the base of cooperation and achieve common prosperity.

He made the call when delivering a speech at the annual summit of the emerging market bloc held in the Russian city of Ufa.

CRI's Qi Zhi reports.

Reporter:

The BRICS partnership is the theme of this year's summit of the five emerging economies of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

The meeting comes amid an economic slowdown among BRICS members and in other developing economies.

In his speech, President Xi Jinping voiced full confidence in the future of the BRICS cooperation mechanism, expressing the belief that the rising momentum of BRICS members will not waver.

"For emerging and developing economies their growth rate is slowing down and BRICS countries cooperation is presented with new challenges. At the same time, we need to be aware that BRICS countries' economies still have great potential to tap and there is a lot to be achieved in economic cooperation among BRICS countries."The Chinese president shared his vision of building the BRICS group on a partnership that focuses on safeguarding world peace, boosting common development, promoting diversified civilization and strengthening global economic governance.

He has called on member countries to implement the BRICS Economic Partnership Strategy adopted at the summit and find new cooperation highlights.

"We should forge a closer partnership with each member making use of complementary advantages in resources endowment and industrial structure and jointly expanding development space. At the same time we should push forward the construction of the headquarters of the BRICS New Development Bank and an African regional center, so as to put them into use and achieve early results as soon as possible."The BRICS New Development Bank with estimated capital of 100 billion US dollars and a Contingent Reserves Arrangement of another 100 billion dollars are the major concrete outcomes of the Ufa summit.

The new bank is expected to approve its inaugural investment projects in the beginning of 2016.

The leaders have all hailed the move as an important boost in their joint efforts to forge closer economic ties.

At the same time, Russian President Vladimir Putin has stressed the need to push for increased representation of BRICS countries in international financial institutions.

"We strongly support China to assume the rotating presidency of the G20 in 2016 to push for a louder voice of developing countries within the International Monetary Fund. In the near future, the new development bank will be actively involved in the construction of major transportation projects and other infrastructure. We've also approved a roadmap for investment, which is expected to be finalized before the year's end."In addition to economic cooperation, the BRICS leaders have also discussed such global challenges as terrorism, drug abuse and cyber security.

President Xi Jinping says collective efforts are the key in addressing such challenges.

"We must jointly guard against and combat all forms of terrorism and strengthen cooperation in areas including information sharing and law enforcement. China is ready to join other countries to speed up and enhance cooperation against drugs and to push for resolving the drug problem at both the regional and global level."At the end of the summit, the leaders adopted the Ufa Declaration and an action plan.

India has offered to host the 8th BRICS summit in 2016.

For CRI, I'm Qi Zhi.

Xi urges quickened construction of China-Russia-Mongolia economic corridorChinese President Xi Jinping is calling on China, Russia and Mongolia to push forward the construction of an economic corridor linking the three nations.

He was speaking at a meeting with the Russian and Mongolian Presidents on the sidelines of the annual summits of the BRICS countries and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in the southwestern Russian city of Ufa.

Xi Jinping says economic cooperation is the priority area of trilateral cooperation.

"China and Russia, China and Mongolia, Russia and Mongolia are neighbors and strategic partners. We have a good basis and a good potential for our trilateral cooperation and our long-term strategy is to promote overall trilateral cooperation."The Chinese leader expressed hope the three countries can align China's Silk Road Economic Belt initiative with Russia's transcontinental rail plan and Mongolia's Prairie Road program, and push forward the construction of the China-proposed trilateral economic corridor.

He says the linking of those development strategies is important for boosting regional economic cooperation and the development of the Eurasian continent.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said he's pleased to see smooth cooperation in railway transportation, tourism and other sectors since the first trilateral meeting of the three countries was held last year.

For his part, Mongolian President Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj said the people of the three countries will benefit from the trilateral cooperation on railway transportation, logistics, facilitation of agricultural and mineral trade, infrastructure construction and other sectors.

During the meeting, the three heads of state approved a roadmap for the development of trilateral cooperation and witnessed the signing of several documents.

China opens pavilion at Russian industrial fairAnchor:

China has opened its Pavilion at the ongoing 6th International Industrial Trade Fair held in the Russian city of Yekaterinburg.

'Industrial efficiency' is this year's theme.

It's the first time that the fair has an official partner, which is China, the guest of honor.

CRI's Xie Cheng has more.

Reporter:

Models of China's high-speed trains are on display from China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation, one of the participants of this year's trade fair.

Zhou Li, head of the science and technology department of China Railway says the trains can bear extreme temperatures.

"The most remarkable feature of the train is that it is designed to operate in temperatures ranging from minus 40 degrees Celsius to 40 degrees Celsius. The carriages are protected against heat loss and have a water system where water can be heated. This protects against the harsh weather the carriages may encounter in Russia."China National Nuclear Corporation has also introduced the third generation of its proprietary nuclear power generator at the fair.

In the high-end manufacturing and high-tech industries category, Chinese information technology company Inspur, the developer of the world's fastest supercomputer Tianhe-2, is exhibiting at the fair.

The company's vice president Huang Gang says Russian enterprises have expressed interest in buying their equipment.

"We brought these products to Russia in order to fuel the development of the internet industry in this country. Our cloud computing and super computing products can help implement our country's 'One Belt and One Road' strategy with digital support."There are also a great number of exhibitions of aerospace, shipping and electronic technology also being held at the China Pavilion.

In the meantime, China's Silk Road Economic Belt strategy to boost trade and cooperation in Eurasia has been a major focus of discussion at the event.

Russian firms at the fair have expressed that more opportunities for cooperation between China and Russian companies have been fostered.

Evgeny Bragin, deputy director of Ural Mining and Metallurgical Company, says not only Russia but also central Asian countries will benefit from these new bonds formed.

"China and Russia as neighbors had close relations in the past and continue to be close in the present. I think Russia and central Asian countries will increase their collaboration with China in the future. I also think China and Russia will have better comprehensive cooperation in the future."The International Industrial Trade Fair is Russia's largest industrial exhibition, and has been held annually for the past 5 years.

The event will last until Saturday.

For CRI, I'm Xie Cheng.

China on highest alert for super typhoon Chan-HomChina is on its highest alert as super typhoon Chan-Hom approaches the eastern coast at high speeds.

The typhoon is expected to land somewhere between Fuding in Fujian Province and Xiangshan in Zhejiang Province as it moves northwestward from the East China Sea.

The wind speed at the center of the typhoon is forecast to top 58 meters per second at landfall.

Direct shipping routes to Taiwan from Zhejiang have been suspended since Thursday.

In Zhejiang, nearly 20,000 people have been evacuated and 20,000 fishing vessels have returned to harbor for shelter.

The approaching typhoon has also prompted evacuations in Fujian and an alert in Shanghai.

Typhoon Chan-Hom earlier hit areas of Okinawa in Japan, leaving more than 20 people injured, uprooting trees and forcing evacuations.

The Japan Meteorological Agency says strong, gale-force winds and high waves would continue to pummel Japan's southernmost prefecture, where more than 40,000 households have had their power knocked out by the force of Chan-hom.

China has more newborns after easing "one-child" policyChina's newborn population grew to nearly 17 million in 2014, thanks partly to the country's relaxation of the "one-child" policy.

There were almost 1 million more newborns in 2014, compared to that in 2010.

Health officials say China's total population reached 1.37 billion by the end of 2014. The country has been reining in a population surge with family planning policies.

The policy was first introduced during the late 1970s, limiting most urban couples to one child and most rural couples to two if the first child was a girl.

A major policy change was adopted at the end of 2013, stipulating that couples nationwide may now have a second child if either parent is an only child.

About 1.45 million Chinese couples, or 13 percent of those eligible, submitted applications for a second child as of the end of May.

China to Further Improve Student Loans PolicyThe Chinese education authority has announced the adoption of new guidelines to further improve the country's student loans policy.

Vice Education Minister Du Yubo says some preferential policies will be given to relieve students of the repayment burden.

"Firstly, the government will pay all interests from college student loans before they graduate; secondly, the longest loan maturity will be extended to 20 years; thirdly, the period of repayment of principal will be raised to three years."Some college students say they are happy with the new guidelines.

"I think the new student loans policy is very good. Because it not only prolongs the repayment time, but also simplifies the application procedure. It makes full consideration of college students from families in need who may not repay loans right after graduation."China has issued around 20 billion US dollars worth of loans to more than 11 million students since 1999.

About 260 million US dollars worth of loans were given last year, accounting for one third of total financial aid for students.

Chinese Tourism Booms with Expected 4.1 Bln Travelers this YearA newly released report shows that the Chinese tourism market is expected to see four billion trips this year with a total revenue reaching over 600 billion US dollars.

Tang Xiaoyun, a researcher with the China Tourism Academy, says that short trips and domestic tours have helped to boost China's tourism economy.

"Domestic tours have made up a large part of China's tourism, while short trips to the surrounding areas on weekends, as well as other travels such as sightseeing tours have also steadily pushed the tourism economy forwards. Inbound travels will see positive growth by over four percent by the first half of this year due to booming base markets of Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macau."In addition, the report also shows Chinese travelers' satisfaction has increased during the second quarter of this year, with Guang'an city in southwest China's Sichuan province topping the satisfaction list.

Li Zhongguang is head of the Industry Institute of China Tourism Academy.

"Travelers are more satisfied with the inbound destinations in China, with Chongqing, Hangzhou and Guangzhou ranked the highest among the 60 sample cities."The report also shows that for the first time the United States has been voted the most satisfactory overseas destination for Chinese tourists.

This has a lot to do with the China-US agreement on a reciprocal 10-year visa.

Iran nuclear talks appears no closer to a dealNuclear talks between Iran and 6 other major countries are no closer to reaching a deal.

Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has accused the countries involved of changing conditions and using pressure tactics.

However he has reiterated that Iran won't leave the talks and a deal is still attainable.

"We will continue the talks. We have not left the negotiating table and will never leave it. If the other side is seeking a dignified and balanced deal, it will certainly be achievable."Earlier, U.S Secretary of State John Kerry says the U.S and other major countries are not in a rush to complete the agreement.

"We're here because we believe we are making real progress toward a comprehensive deal. But as I have said many times and as I have discussed with President Obama last night, we are not going to sit at the negotiating table forever. We also recognize that we shouldn't get up and leave simply because the clock strikes midnight."Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has applauded the progress made during the negotiations, saying China is ready to work with all sides to push for a deal at an early date.

The final deal will depend on Iran's acceptance of curbs to its nuclear programme in return for the easing of economic sanctions imposed by the United Nations, United States and the European Union.

Special Task Force Set up to Tackle Severe Drought in ThailandThai authorities have set up a special task force to battle the most severe drought it has faced in years.

Water levels are critically low in the four key reservoirs that flow into the Chao Phraya River, only at five percent of their full water capacity.

Planes are flying over the Chao Phraya River spraying sodium chloride into the atmosphere in the hope it will create humidity and help condense clouds.

The planes have been in operation since July 1.

Maneephan Robchaichana, one of the project's pilots, says this will eventually create moisture in the ground, which will in turn increase water inflow into the dams.

The Deputy Director of the Rainmaking Department for the Eastern Region, Wassana Wongrat, emphasizes that this is a countrywide problem.

"It is not only the area outside the irrigation system that has a problem but also the area inside the irrigation system because we cannot distribute water (to farmers). There is a high demand for water."Thought the government had asked farmers to refrain from planting rice since last October, this year's drought has threatened crops as well as Bangkok's water supply which could run dry within the next month.

It is the worst drought in Thailand for decades and may cost the country's rice export industry billions of US dollars.

South Koreans injured in northeast China bus accident fly back homeTen South Korean tourists injured in a bus accident in northeast China's Jilin province have returned home on Thursday.

A bus, carrying 26 South Korean tourists, one Chinese driver and one Chinese tour guide, plunged off a bridge a week ago in Ji'an City.

Ten passengers and the driver died. Seventeen others on the bus were injured.

The injured are being treated at the First Hospital of Jilin University in Jilin's provincial capital Changchun.

Wang Haifeng, vice president of the hospital, says they have prepared reports for each patient to ensure further treatment when they return home.

"We've prepared files for each of the patients, with information such as their case description and risk assessment. Those reports, as well as their medical check results and medical image data, will go together with the patients flying back home."The remaining six South Korean tourists, who are in a serious condition, will be flown back home later.

A South Korean official, who came to China to deal with the accident, allegedly committed suicide last Sunday in Jilin.

Choi Doo Yeong, president of South Korea's Local Government Officials Development Institute, was found dead after falling from his hotel room in Ji'an.

First Hemopoietic Stem Cells from Chinese Donor Donated to IndiaThe hemopoietic stem cells from a Chinese donor are to be sent to India to save a local boy's life for the first time.

37-year-old Liu Zhiwen, a newspaper editor from Ma'anshan city in Anhui Province, is a volunteer donor from the China Marrow Donor Program, or CMDP.

Earlier in April, Liu was informed that his bone marrow samples left with the CMDP match with that of a 16 year old Indian boy suffering from serious leukemia.

After passing physical examination in June, Liu completed the collection of hemopoietic stem cells at a local hospital in Beijing yesterday.

Liu explains the process of the collection work which is quite smooth.

"You should drink a lot of water to make your blood diluted, causing it flow faster. A special machine is used to separate the hemopoietic stem cells from your blood through an external circulation. The separation work lasts 4 hours, collecting 228 milliliters of the samples, which may meet the demand of the Indian boy."The donated stem cells will be delivered to the Indian patient's hospital today and transplanted into his body.

It will take 2 to 3 months to determine whether the transplant has been successful.

The transplantation of hemopoietic stem cells, or known simply as bone marrow transplantation, is one of the most effective methods to cure serious diseases such as leukemia and lymphoma.

However, it still remains difficult to look for the samples matching with the patients' genes.

weatherBeijing will be overcast tonight with a low of 24 degrees Celsius; cloudy to overcast tomorrow with a high of 32.

Shanghai has heavy rain tonight with a low of 24; downpour continues tomorrow with a high of 29.

Down to Chongqing, cloudy tonight with a low of 23, still cloudy tomorrow with a high of 35.

Lhasa has light rain tonight with a low of 12, tomorrow cloudy with a high of 24.

Elsewhere in Asia,Islamabad, light rain tomorrow, 32.

Kabul, cloudy, 31.

Down in the Southern Hemisphere.

Sydney, sunny skies with a high of 18.

Brisbane, light rain with a high of 21.

Perth, sunny, 16.

And finally Auckland, New Zealand will be cloudy with a high of 11 degrees Celsius.

Headline newsSCO starts procedures to grant India, Pakistan membershipThe leaders of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization has ratified a resolution on starting the procedures of granting India and Pakistan full membership of the organization.

Leaders attending the 15th SCO summit has also decided to elevate Belarus to the status of observer from dialogue partner.

Four countries, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Cambodia and Nepal have been accepted as new dialogue partners.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and his counterparts from other SCO member countries are attending the summit in Russia's Ufa city.

Leaders will focus on planning the organization's future development.

President Xi Jinping will deliver a speech proposing joint measures for boosting security cooperation, integration of development strategies, and people-to-people exchanges.

A series of documents will also be released, including an SCO development blueprint, a border defense cooperation agreement and a declaration on the 70th anniversary of the WWII victory.

China on highest alert for super typhoon Chan-HomChina is on its highest alert as super typhoon Chan-Hom approaches the eastern coast at high speeds.

The typhoon is expected to land somewhere between Fuding in Fujian Province and Xiangshan in Zhejiang Province as it moves northwestward from the East China Sea.

The wind speed at the center of the typhoon is forecast to top 58 meters per second at landfall.

Direct shipping routes to Taiwan from Zhejiang have been suspended since Thursday.

In Zhejiang, nearly 20,000 people have been evacuated and 20,000 fishing vessels have returned to harbor for shelter.

The approaching typhoon has also prompted evacuations in Fujian and an alert in Shanghai.

23 dead in Bangladesh stampedeAt least 23 people have been killed in a stampede and more than 50 others injured during a clothes giveaway in Mymensingh city in Bangladesh.

The stampede happened on Friday morning when people had gathered for saris which were being donated to people in need.

Police said a factory owner announced he would distribute saris to those in need on Friday morning.

Hundreds of people rushed through a small gate into the factory for the free garments.

Police have detained 7 people, including the factory's owner.

The injured were transported to hospital.

Bali airport still closes as Mount Raung volcano eruption continuesIndonesia has reopened two of its airports however Bali International Airport and two others remain closed due to the eruption of volcano Mount Raung in East Java.

Indonesia closed five airports early on Friday following the escalating volcanic activity from Mount Raung.

Local authorities said that they would keep updating airport information in accordance with the condition of the Raung volcanic ash spread.

biz reportsAnchor :

Turning now to business news.

First a look at the numbers from across the Asian markets to close out this Friday evening.

Our reporter Qian Shanming joins me on the desk.

Reporter:

Chinese shares staged a two-day strong rebound after intensive moves by the government to bolster the market.

Both the benchmark Shanghai Composite Index and the Shenzhen Component Index leaped over four and half of a percent.

The ChiNext Index, tracking China's Nasdaq-style board of growth enterprises, climbed over 4 percent.

The benchmark Hang Seng Index closed up over two percent, tracking gains on mainland markets.

Chinese securities firms extended their rally, as China Galaxy Securities Co. surged over 8 percent.

Zuo Xiaolei, Chief Economist at China Galaxy Securities Ltd says the recent supportive measures have started to take effect.

"Obviously the operation of the authorities yesterday created liquidity for the market and also some additional funds have been attracted in. Therefore it is fair to say that the measures have been correct, pertinent and has yielded notable results."As to future performance, Zuo says there will be ups and downs but not in such a sharp fluctuation, and the market will return to a normal state.

Elsewhere in AsiaTokyo shares ended mixed on Friday with the Nikkei stocks index edging down over a quarter of a percent.

Sentiment there remained cautious ahead of Eurogroup meetings over the weekend on the ongoing Greece debt crisis.

South Korea's Kospi closed up nearly one fifth of a percent.

Singapore's benchmark Straits Times Index closed up over half a percent.

And finally, Australia's ASX 200 moved up over one third of a percent.

China won't halt IPO approval procedureChina's top securities regulator said on Friday that it will continue with its approval procedures for initial public offerings or IPOs, although it confirmed that there will be no IPOs in the short term.

The spokesman for the China Securities Regulatory Commission did not specify a period for the absence of IPOs on the market.

The agency will control the number of companies that seek to refinance through secondary offerings as well as the refinancing value.

The official statement came after 28 companies announced on July 4 that they will suspend their IPO plans amid sharp volatility in the stock market over the past several weeks.

IMF downgrades 2015 world economic growth to 3.3 pctThe International Monetary Fund has downgraded its global economic growth projection to 3.3 percent for 2015.

This is down 0.2 points from its forecast of 3.5 percent in April.

The U.S economy's weaker than expected performance in the first quarter is the reason behind the lower projection.

The IMF maintained its projection for world economic growth in 2016 at 3.8 percent.

In terms of the Chinese economy, IMF Chief Economist Olivier Blanchard says the forecast remains unchanged.

"We have left unchanged our forecast for China. Our forecast is a bit at 6.8% for 2015. We have a bit more uncertainty around the forecast probably than in April. Let me look at two aspects of what's happening in China. The first one is the puncture of what was obviously the stock market bubble. Stock markets had increased by 150% in less than a year. There was no evidence that this was justified by dividends or fundamentals, and the bubble has burst, only in part, nowhere close to the earlier levels, but it has burst and that's potentially worrisome."In terms of the Greek debt, Blanchard says Greece is a small part of the world economy, and its possible exit from the euro zone should have a limited impact on the rest of the world.

For more on this CRI's Zhaoyang earlier spoke with Professor Huo Deming,from the National School of Development, at Peking University.

Back anchor:

That was CRI's Zhao Yang speaking with Professor Huo Deming from the National School of Development at Peking University.

Shanghai-Hong Kong Gold Connect launchedThe Chinese Gold and Silver Exchange Society of Hong Kong and Shanghai Gold Exchange announced the official launch of a connectivity of gold markets in Shanghai and Hong Kong.

The launch of the Shanghai-Hong Kong Gold Connect marks the deepening of mutual market connectivity between the two places from stock to commodity trading.

This allows Hong Kong investors to trade on the main board and international board of the Shanghai Gold Exchange.

China to Open 24 New Air Routes to Enhance Link with Countries along Belt and RoadChina's aviation authority says that the country will have 24 new air routes linking China with countries along the "One Belt, One Road".

Li Jiaxiang, director of the Civil Aviation Administration, says the airlines, including Air China, China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines and Hainan Airlines, would expand their routes in Eurasia and Africa later this year.

Hainan Airlines announced on Thursday that it's to launch a direct air route connecting Beijing and Prague, the Czech Republic's capital this September.

Chen Ming is the vice president of Hainan Airlines Group.

"Hainan Airlines will officially open a Beijing-Prague direct air route on September 23. The service will run three times a week on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. We'll use a Boeing 767, which has two-cabin layouts, a larger space and provides a more satisfied traveling experience for passengers."The flight time between the two countries now only takes 13 hours, down from 16 thanks to the new route.

Libor Secka, Czech Ambassador to China, says the new air route is the first bilateral "One Belt, One Road" initiative that is expected to be a bridge between the two countries.

"We expect that the direct flight will contribute to and help the growth of our business. It will help our people to know each other more. And of course it will also help us have more tourist exchanges."Statistics show about 250-thousand Chinese tourists visited the Czech Republic last year, with a year-on-year growth of 22 percent.

SportsWimbledon previewIn tennis,Today's Wimbledon's men's semifinals will start with Novak Djokovic and Richard Gasquet.

The match is Novak Djokovic, the defending champion's seventh semifinal at Wimbledon and the 27th Grand Slam last-four of his career.

The 21st seed, Gasquet knocked out fourth seeded French Open champion Stan Wawrinka in five sets to reach his second Wimbledon semi-final.

This has won him praise from his upcoming opponent Novak Djokovic.

"I hear he works really hard to get really fit and is ready to go the distance and it is paying off. He always had a touch, always had a talent and he loves playing on grass, so I expect him to come out on court in two days, you know, wanting to win."Gasquet's only win over Djokovic came during the 2007 Masters Cup. However, their last meeting at the French Open last month saw him crushed by the world number one.

The game will start at 8pm Beijing time.

Just 2 hours later, the other semifinal will take place between second seed Roger Federer and Andy Murray.

Federer has won all of their last three meetings including a 6-1, 6-0 win at the World Tour Finals in their most recent clash at the end of 2014.

CSL preview; Shanghai SIPG signs Asamoah GyanIn football,The 18th round of the Chinese super league kicks off tonight with a match between Shanghai Shenxin and Guizhou Renhe.

The two teams are fighting to stay in the league as they both are currently ranked at the bottom of the table.

Guizhou Renhe will be headed by its new head coach Gong Lei during tonight's match.

Kick off for that match is at 7:45 tonight.

///Also news from the Chinese super league, Shanghai SIPG has just signed a 2 year contract with Asamoah Gyan.

Gyan is currently the captain of Ghana's national team and also plays for Al Ain in the UAE Pro League.

In 2014 he won the award for Best AFC foreign player of the year.

Van Basten to assist Blind at Dutch national teamSome more football news,Marco van Basten has returned to the staff of the Dutch national team, but as an assistant coach this time.

He will assist the new head coach Danny Blind who succeeded Guus Hiddink last month.

The contract will see him stay with the team until 2018.

As a player, he played for the Dutch national team 58 times and played a key role in helping his team win the 1988 European Football Championship.

In 2004, he became the head coach of the Dutch national team for four years leading them at the 2006 World Cup and Euro 2008.

Andong Song, the first Chinese player in NHL, starts training at New York IslandersSong Andong, the first Chinese player drafted into the National Hockey League, has joined his teammates this week during the team's Mini Camp.

He was selected by the New York Islanders in the sixth round, 172nd overall in the league's annual entry draft last month.

Song said that he feels pretty good during his first scrimmage in the team.

"(It's) pretty good, you know I'm learning a lot of stuff. The coaches have been very supportive. Just fixing the small things here and there and then hopefully that'll make me a better hockey player."The 18 year old notes that he needs to improve his strength and speed.

"I think definitely my strength, you know, and gotta get stronger, get faster and then that'll help my game, you know? Makes my moves more efficient, much stronger on the ice, be able to knock pucks away more often so I think getting stronger is the biggest priority right now."Song moved to North America from China at the age of nine.

He has also played for China at the World Under-18 Championships over the past two years.

The 18 year old hopes to keep representing his home country in the future and dreams of playing in the Olympic Games.

China's ultra-marathon runner completes 100 marathons in 100 daysChina's star ultra-marathon runner Chen Penbin has completed his last run of the 100-marathons-in-100-days campaign in Beijing.

Chen started his journey from Guangzhou on April 2, and ran through eight provinces before arriving in his final stop of Beijing.

The 37-year-old hopes that his achievement can inspire more people to run for their health.

Chen was formerly a fisherman. In 2014, he ran 100km in the South Pole becoming the first runner to compete in the ultra-marathon in all seven continents.

LeBron James agrees to 2-year deal with Cleveland CavaliersIn basketball,One of NBA's top stars, LeBron James has agreed to stay with the Cleveland Cavaliers, signing a two-year contract.

The $47 million contract reportedly includes a $24 million player option for 2016-17.

James led the Cleveland Cavaliers to the NBA final in the 2014-2015 season, just losing out to the Golden Warriors 4-2.

He now ranks third in the NBA in points per game and sixth in Player Efficiency Rating.

This is the first time since 2006 that he has re-signed with a team.

MLB recapIn baseball,Carlos Martinez from the St. Louis Cardinals pitched seven and one-third scoreless innings to lead his team to a 4-1 road win over the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Andrew McCutchen kept the Pirates from being shut out with a home run off Seth Maness to lead off the ninth inning.

That extended his career-best hitting streak to 16 games.

The victory gives the Cardinals a five and a half game lead on the Pirates in the National League Central division.

In other action,New York Yankees secured a 6-2 win over the visiting Oakland Athletics.

Brett Gardner marked his call-up to the American League All-Star team with three hits including a home run during the game.

EntertainmentChina's copyright watchdog bans unlicensed music streamingChina's copyright regulator has announced new strict rules on music streaming.

The National Copyright Administration (NCA) says online streaming services must stop providing unlicensed music to users.

Service providers are given until the end of this month to remove unlicensed music.

The move is to update a copyright system that has for years been out of sync with the way people listen to music.

How the regulation will affect the streaming industry is yet to be seen.

Chinese Version of 'King of Mask Singer' Releases First TV PromotionThe Chinese version of ' King of Mask Singer' has released its first TV trailer ten days before its airs.

The singing competition show was imported from South Korea's MBC station.

Stars already established in the business will wear a mask to sing in front of judges and audiences without revealing their identities.

According to the rules, one singer will be selected each week to go through to the next round.

At least 20 stars from the Chinese music industry will appear on stage to compete.

Only the winner of the final is allowed to take off the mask and claim the title.

The singing competition will be aired on July 19.

'Forever Young' Opens in Chinese TheatresComing-of-age film 'Forever Young' has opened in Chinese theatres.

Starring Zhang Huiwen, Li Yifeng and Zhang Yunlong, the film revolves around the bittersweet experiences of several college students in pursuing their dreams.

Unlike other youth movies, 'Forever Young' is set in the present time and develops into a rom-com style.

It is TV host and singer He Jiong's directorial debut.

The movie is named after He's iconic song 'Zhi Zi Hua Kai' some 10 years ago.

Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson promote final 'Hunger Games' at Comic-ConThe cast of the 'Hunger Games' have made an appearance at Comic-Con in San Diego to promote the final installment of the franchise.

Josh Hutcherson, who plays the role of Peta, says he felt the love of the fans in the audience.

"Comic-Con is the center of fandom in the world, I think. And 'Hunger Games' has some of the most rabid, insane, passionate fans. So we were stepping into the lions' den. And you can feel it in the audience. It was a huge audience. People in the audience were dressed up, they were super into it. It was really fun."Hutcherson adds that he is dying to do another one of the films if possible.

Jennifer Lawrence who plays Katniss in the franchise thought she didn't perform too well at the famous Hall H in front of the audience of over 5 thousand fans.

She says she hasn't done interviews in almost a year.

"Once you get into the swing of things, you normally get asked the same questions again and again and again, so it becomes easier to answer. But the first round of questions and the first thing in front of 5,000 people is a lot. Josh and Liam really killed it. I slaughtered it in a bad way."The final film 'Hunger Games: Mockingjay 2' comes out in US theatres on November 20th.

This year's Comic-Con runs until Sunday.

'Sherlock' Victorian Special Releases First TrailerSherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson are coming back to Baker Street.

Long anticipated hit crime thriller 'Sherlock' has released its very first trailer for this year's Christmas special.

The 'Sherlock' special travels back to the 19th century Victorian era after three seasons in modern-day London.

The short clip has managed to keep the show's humour as both Sherlock and landlord Mrs. Hudson are making fun of Dr. John Watson's writings of Holmes' stories.

Steven Moffat, the show's producer, also announced this version will be released in select theatres around the world next year.

However, details are yet to be confirmed.

Moffat told the crowd at Comic-Con that he hasn't begun writing the script for the 4th season yet however he says he is well aware of the direction the show is going.

weatherBeijing will be overcast tonight with a low of 24 degrees Celsius; cloudy to overcast tomorrow with a high of 32.

Shanghai has heavy rain tonight with a low of 24; downpour continues tomorrow with a high of 29.

Down to Chongqing, cloudy tonight with a low of 23, still cloudy tomorrow with a high of 35.

Lhasa has light rain tonight with a low of 12, tomorrow cloudy with a high of 24.

Elsewhere in Asia,Islamabad, light rain tomorrow, 32.

Kabul, cloudy, 31.

Down in the Southern Hemisphere.

Sydney, sunny skies with a high of 18.

Brisbane, light rain with a high of 21.

Perth, sunny, 16.

And finally Auckland, New Zealand will be cloudy with a high of 11 degrees Celsius.

That’s it for this edition of the Beijing Hour...

A quick look at the headlines before we go...

This year's Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit kicking off in Ufa......

President Xi Jinping urging China, Russia and Mongolia to push forward construction of an economic corridor linking the three nations.....

And the declaration on anti-drug cooperation is expected from the SCO Summit....

In Business.... Chinese shares staging a two-day strong rebound after intensive moves by the government to bolster the market.

In Sports.... China's ultra-marathon runner completing 100 marathons in 100 days....

And in Entertainment...China's copyright watchdog banning unlicensed music streamingOn behalf of the Beijing Hour staffers, I'm Sophie Williams in Beijing hoping you'll join us for our next edition of the Beijing Hour to open a window to the world together...